After working at Writer’s Digest for a decade-plus, I saw more than my fair share of writing exercise/prompt books—plus I also acquired and edited quite a few. Writing prompts have always been an ever-popular topic of discussion (and usefulness) for writers, regardless of stage of career.

Here I’d like to share what I found to be the most remarkable books—a mix of Writer’s Digest titles and other publishers’ titles.

What makes this book so special is the small size, vivid images and playful design, and high-quality production. It’s now out of print, though you can get copies used–or opt for the sequel, The Pocket Muse 2.

I rarely find the time to use writing prompts, but if I did, these are the books I’d use. Very sophisticated and thought-provoking, I do put them to work in the classroom—for brainstorming nonfiction ideas to write about. Highly recommend to both writer and teacher. (I know both books are popular in MFA programs.)

Last but not least, one of the best-selling titles of all time from Writer’s Digest was this exercise/prompt book, authored by one of its editors. It was just released this year in a 10th anniversary edition.

Jane Friedman (@JaneFriedman) has more than 15 years of experience in the book and magazine publishing industry, with expertise in digital media and the future of authorship. She speaks around the world at events such as BookExpo America, Frankfurt Book Fair, and Digital Book World, and has keynoted writing conferences such as The Muse & The Marketplace. She currently teaches digital media and publishing at the University of Virginia. Find out more.

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20 Comments

I have two of the books on this list – What If? and The Pocket Muse. My favorite is What If? and I actually tweeted a recommendation for it a little while back. It’s nice to see someone else concurs on its usefulness. I was lucky enough to find it in a used bookstore for $4!

I really adore Fondling Your Muse. Realizing that doesn’t sound quite appropriate, let me clarify that one of my favorite books for getting me in the mood…no, that’s not quite it either…. Well, at any rate, John Warner’s Fondling Your Muse is a delicious inspiration to add to any writer’s shelf.

I really like: Naming the World and Other Exercises for the Creative Writer, edited by Bret Anthony Johnston. The book is divided by focus (plot, dialogue, etc) and features a short essay and corresponding exercises/prompts from a different contributor. Steve Almond and Ann Packer are among the contributors.

Although it’s not the book’s original intent, Al Katkowsky’s Question of the Day (also an app) is terrific. I met Al at Writers Digest Conference in 2011, and I gave his book to the leader of my writing group this year. She’s a retired creative writing professor from Northwestern, and said it’s one of the best she’s ever seen. We use it in our group all the time.

I have copies of all these books, plus several score more. I admit to being a writing book junkie. I love WHAT IF? and use it all the time for writing exercises (I teach writing). NAMING THE WORLD, NOW WRITE… oh I could go on and on, but I won’t. I did feel a little like the girl who didn’t get invited to the prom when my book, A WRITER’S BOOK OF DAYS, wasn’t included. (sorry if that plug feels obvious, which I guess it is.)

Thanks for the recommendations. I think these books are going to be really helpful for me. Just in case you want other recommendations, it’s not a book but it worth it: there is a great iPhone app I use that is called iDeas for Writing. You can find it in the site ideasforwriting.com. It has writing prompts and exercises too ^_^

And now I’m going to buy one of these books. The Writer’s Idea Book sounds good as a starting.

I don’t care about prizes, so entering one isn’t of interest. Every dream I have is a potential story starter–and the time between sleeping and awakening holds within it so many possibilities. Listening to talk radio, researching information on the internet–all of these are idea formers for me.

I didn’t even know that there were books full of writing prompts – I thought you just had to make up your own or trawl the internet for them. Very helpful to know which ones to choose now I know they exist, thanks!

Hello Jane and others involved in the creation of this survey. I am someone who always welcomes data in order...

Posted Mar 02, 2015

About Jane

I have more than 15 years of experience in the book and magazine publishing industry, with expertise in digital media and the future of authorship. I speak around the world at events such as BookExpo America, Frankfurt Book Fair, and Digital Book World, and have keynoted writing conferences such as The Muse & The Marketplace. I currently teach publishing at the University of Virginia. Read more.

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